Storm Virtual Gravity Nano Bowling Ball Review

Bowler Ratings

Bowler ratings are from 1 to 10 in order of Stroker (ST), Tweener (TW), Cranker (CR)

General Info

Coverstock Specs

Name:

NRG (Nano Reactive Genesis)

Type:

Reactive Solid

Box Finish:

4000 Abralon

Color:

Orange / Navy / Cobalt

Empty

Core Specs

Name:

Shape-Lock HD

Type:

Asymmetrical

RG:

2.48

Diff:

0.052

Int. Diff:

0.020

The Storm Virtual Gravity Nano offers the return of the Shape-Lock HD core. The Nano features a new reactive resin, called Nano Reactive Genesis, or NRG for short. What we saw during the testing session is that this new technology is a dull solid reactive which, when combined with a strong asymmetric core, creates the largest overall hook potential of any ball in recent history.

We found the Nano to be a perfect match to our heavy oil pattern. The strong midlane and back end impressed all three testers. As the testing session continued, the testers noticed that carrydown didn’t affect its performance at all. Testers had all the recovery they needed, the ball did not labor, and there was no effect on carry.

On the medium pattern, both Tweener and Stroker could use the Nano at its 4000 Abralon box finish. They were able to move left and use the oil in the middle of the lane to find the pocket. Due to Cranker’s higher rev rate, he had to polish the ball to get it down the lane on this pattern.

Moving to the dry test pattern, we applied polish to all three test balls. This was the first time we saw any signs of the Nano slowing down. The lack of length on this pattern could cause the Nano, even with polish, to create too much friction in the midlane.

We found it on the verge of being too strong for our sport pattern. Lower flaring layouts will help tame it down, which will be a must on tougher patterns. Tweener had the hardest time of the three testers. The large recovery at the back end of the lane actually gave Cranker a better look on our sport pattern than Tweener, which is rare.

Performance Ratings

Name

Value

Comments

Torque

7

The midlane read is what we would expect with a ball using this weight block. The added traction from the shell makes this ball hard to control on shorter patterns.

Length

12

The 4000 Abralon finish is dull enough for oily lane conditions. Those with more rev rate might have to put this ball away as the oil dissipates from the lane surface.

Back End

17

We were surprised that the amount of friction created in the midlane did not take away from any movement in the back end. Even as the oil carried down on the test pattern, the Virtual Gravity Nano came back just as strongly as it did on the fresh.

Total Hook

56

The Virtual Gravity Nano will cover more boards than any previous Storm releases. The proven Shape-Lock HD core, combined with the new resin formulation, allows the Nano to be a hook monster.

Strengths

Very few, if any, bowling balls will cover as much area on the lane as the Virtual Gravity Nano. When you bowl on an oil slick, the Nano will make it seem like your typical house shot.

Weaknesses

Short oil patterns will cause the Nano to check up early. Dry patterns will require it to be highly polished. We would also recommend longer pin-to-PAP layouts to push it down the lane.

Overall Summary

The Virtual Gravity Nano features one of the strongest reactive covers we’ve seen wrapped around one of Storm’s most successful cores. This core/cover combination gives this ball an unbelievable amount of traction and movement.

Storm Virtual Gravity Nano Comparisons

Click below to see a comparison table of the pair of bowling balls shown:

To compare the Storm Virtual Gravity Nano to any other bowling ball(s), please use our Bowling Ball Comparison tool.

About The BTM Ball Testing Team

The BTM Ball Testing Team is led by Eric Martinez. Our team of three testers has thrown and reviewed hundreds of bowling balls for Bowling This Month. When not testing balls for BTM, Eric owns and operates University Pro Shop in San Antonio, TX and he is an avid competitive bowler. Click here to learn more about how we test and review bowling balls.

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